Liam Manning: New Bristol City boss wants fans to enjoy coming to watch Robins

Liam Manning holds aloft a Bristol City scarfImage source, Bristol City
Image caption,

Liam Manning was the third new boss to be appointed by an EFL side this week

New Bristol City boss Liam Manning says he wants fans to enjoy coming to watch the Championship club.

The 38-year-old left Oxford United, who are second in League One, after just eight months in charge to take over at Ashton Gate on Tuesday.

"It's been a bit of a whirlwind," Manning told BBC Radio Bristol.

"My time at Oxford was short but I am driven, hungry, ambitious and I want to work at the highest level I can - I wouldn't have left for any old club."

Bristol City have struggled for consistency this season and are 11th in the Championship with two wins and three losses from their last five matches.

The three defeats all came against teams higher than them in the league table.

Manning replaces Nigel Pearson who was sacked at the end of October after two and a half years in charge.

The role is Manning's fourth managerial job having had spells at Lommel SK, MK Dons and the U's and he outlined his plans for his new club.

"It all starts with behaviours for me," he added.

"When people are paying hard earned money to watch a team play the bare minimum is that you are competitive, you fight, you run, you scrap and the tactical stuff comes on top of that.

"Something that has really impressed me with the group already is the intensity that they work at.

"I think working off that structure, being aggressive, on the front foot, hard to beat, keeping that intensity and recovering behind the ball when you lose it are key.

"The big bit for me is I want people to enjoy watching this team.

"A team that tries to dominate the ball with purpose and attacks with a look to create and score goals.

"The stadium and the training facilities here are terrific and I am really impressed by everything I have seen so far."

Image source, Bristol City
Image caption,

Liam Manning takes charge of a Bristol City side which has only scored 16 league goals this season

'He'll have the backing of fans'

Analysis - Richard Hoskin BBC Radio Bristol Commentator

It's not been an easy couple of weeks for Bristol City, but now that Liam Manning has been appointed as head coach, I think he'll have the backing of supporters on Saturday and beyond.

A three and a half year contract shows real belief from the City board, who say that he was their number one choice to replace Nigel Pearson.

I don't think he'll have much (if any) money to spend in the transfer market in January - rather he'll have to wait until the summer before any significant incomings or outgoings.

But with Rob Atkinson and Ross McCrorie coming back in the New Year, if City can have better luck with injuries he'll be hoping to make a positive first impression at Ashton Gate.

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